This is why police shut Talbot Road in Blackpool town centre today

Emergency services were called to Talbot Road following reports of a gas leak in the area at around 11.50am today (September 29).

A road closure was put in place from Abingdon Street to the Promenade while "emergency repairs" were carried out, resulting in heavy traffic in the surrounding area.

The smell of gas was "very strong", according to eyewitness reports, with a number of engineers from Cadent Gas, police vehicles and a fire engine attending the scene.

But police have confirmed the road is in the process of being reopened.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "We were made aware at 11.50am. It has been reported as a gas leak.

"Some roads were closed but are in the process of being reopened."

The closure comes after an 80-year-old man doused himself in petrol in a nearby bank yesterday (September 28), resulting in a large section of the town centre being cordoned off.

Police, including armed officers, surrounded Halifax bank in Church Street while firefighters and paramedics were kept on stand-by, with negotiations continuing throughout the evening and into the early morning.

The 80-year-old man finally gave himself up at around 2am this morning (Tuesday, September 29) after 12 hours of negotiations with specialist officers.

Find out more about the 12-hour stand off by clicking HERE.